(06/30/05) HAVERSTRAW ? An important safety feature may have saved a pilot?s life Thursday when a small plane on its way to Westchester County Airport crashed in Haverstraw.

Police officials say the plane crashed in a Bowling Point Park inlet at approximately 4:41 p.m. A Rockland County official said the pilot issued the mayday call after experiencing pain in his legs. According to investigators, the pilot was able to slow the plane?s descent by releasing a parachute from the back of the aircraft.

The pilot has been identified as 54-year-old Ilan Reich of New York City. Authorities say Reich did not suffer any serious injuries during the incident. The plane, owned by a New York City company, eventually sank.